Let’s Talk About Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS
For years, I’ve trusted Federal Ammunition to deliver consistent performance, and their Power Shok line has always been a reliable choice for various shooting applications. Today, we’re diving deep into the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS, a round often overlooked in favor of its 12-gauge brethren but possessing a unique appeal for specific hunting scenarios. This review will dissect its features, performance, and overall value, based on my decade-plus experience with various shotgun loads.
My need for this particular ammunition stemmed from a recurring issue on smaller properties where a 12-gauge slug felt like overkill for deer. I wanted a round with sufficient stopping power, yet gentler recoil and less risk of pass-through, making it ideal for hunting in more populated areas or near property lines. The 16 gauge seemed the perfect compromise.
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS was the familiar Federal quality. The shells looked clean and well-crimped. Initial thoughts were that these were a no-nonsense, purpose-built round.
Compared to similar products like Remington Slugger or Winchester Super-X rifled slugs, I chose the Federal offering because of its consistent reputation for accuracy and reliable expansion. I’ve always found Federal primers to be especially consistent in ignition. I was hopeful that the Power Shok line would live up to its name in the 16 gauge platform.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to finally have a 16 gauge slug option that appeared serious about performance. I was eager to see how it would perform compared to my experiences with 12-gauge offerings.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS took place at a local shooting range. I used a vintage Savage 16-gauge smoothbore shotgun. The conditions were fairly typical: slightly overcast and a temperature hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
The rounds performed admirably, grouping within 4 inches at 50 yards. There were no issues with cycling or extraction. The recoil, as anticipated, was noticeably milder than a 12-gauge slug, making follow-up shots easier and faster.
The ease of use was excellent. There’s no trick to loading and firing a shotshell, and these were no exception. I experienced no malfunctions whatsoever during the initial testing session. The only surprise was how accurate the slugs were out of a smoothbore barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, primarily during deer season, the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS has proven to be a consistent performer. I’ve fired approximately 50 rounds at this point. The ammunition has been stored in a variety of conditions ranging from dry to slightly damp, and there has been no degradation in performance.
Durability appears to be excellent. I’ve seen no signs of degradation or corrosion in the shells themselves despite varying storage conditions. The ammunition has been transported in a variety of conditions, including bouncing around in a backpack, with no damage to the shells.
Maintenance is non-existent. As a shotshell, you fire it, and you’re done. The spent shells eject cleanly. Compared to my experiences with other shotgun loads, these slugs offer a compelling blend of manageable recoil and acceptable accuracy.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Federal. This is a well-known and respected ammunition manufacturer with a long history of producing reliable products.
- Gauge: 16. This is a less common gauge than 12 or 20, offering a middle ground in terms of power and recoil.
- Number of Rounds: 5. Standard packaging for shotgun slugs.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. A common shell length for 16 gauge, ensuring compatibility with most 16-gauge shotguns.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1600 ft/s. This is a respectable velocity for a shotgun slug, translating to a relatively flat trajectory and good energy transfer.
- Application: Medium Game. Specifically designed for deer and similar-sized game.
- Shot Material: Lead. A traditional slug material offering good weight and expansion characteristics.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Ensures reliable ignition.
- Bullet Weight: 350 grain. This is a substantial weight for a 16-gauge slug, maximizing its energy on impact.
- Bullet Type: Rifled Slug Hollow Point (RSHP). The rifling helps stabilize the slug in flight when fired from a smoothbore barrel. The hollow point promotes expansion upon impact.
- Cartridge Case Material: Steel. Cost-effective and reliable.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead composition.
- Shot Size: Slug. Single projectile.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. Matches the 350-grain bullet weight, providing a substantial projectile for effective hunting.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the performance and suitability of the ammunition for specific hunting scenarios. The 350-grain slug traveling at 1600 ft/s delivers enough energy to ethically harvest deer-sized game at reasonable distances, while the rifled design and hollow point contribute to accuracy and expansion, respectively.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS performs admirably for its intended purpose: taking down medium game at moderate ranges. Accuracy is acceptable out of a smoothbore barrel. When paired with a dedicated rifled slug barrel, accuracy improves significantly, allowing for confident shots out to 100 yards.
The main strength of this ammunition is its balance of power and manageable recoil. While it lacks the raw stopping power of a 12-gauge slug, it’s significantly more comfortable to shoot, especially for smaller-framed individuals or those sensitive to recoil. A potential weakness is its limited range compared to higher-velocity 12-gauge slugs.
The Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS mostly meets expectations. It provides a reliable and accurate alternative to the more powerful 12-gauge round. It could exceed expectations if used in specific hunting situations where the milder recoil provides an advantage.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS is straightforward and functional. The materials are standard for shotgun ammunition. There’s no learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Build quality appears excellent. The shells are well-crimped and the primers are consistently seated. The hollow point is cleanly formed.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS should last for many years. These shells are not designed to be reloaded, so there is no need for maintenance beyond proper storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS doesn’t require any specific accessories. To maximize its accuracy, consider using it with a shotgun equipped with a rifled slug barrel and a low-power scope or red dot sight. A good cheek riser can improve sight alignment when using optics.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS
Pros
- Manageable recoil compared to 12 gauge.
- Acceptable accuracy in smoothbore barrels.
- Excellent performance in rifled barrels.
- Reliable expansion due to the hollow point design.
- Trusted Federal Ammunition quality.
Cons
- Limited range compared to higher-velocity 12-gauge slugs.
- 16 gauge ammunition availability is less common than 12 or 20 gauge.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS?
The Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS is perfect for hunters seeking a balance between power and recoil, particularly those hunting deer in areas where a 12-gauge slug might be overkill. This ammunition is also well-suited for smaller-framed individuals or those sensitive to recoil.
Hunters primarily targeting larger game at longer ranges or who require maximum stopping power should likely skip this product and opt for a 12-gauge slug. A rifled slug barrel and a low-power optic are must-have accessories to maximize the accuracy potential of this ammunition.
Conclusion on Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS
The Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS is a solid performer that offers a compelling alternative to the more common 12-gauge slug. Its manageable recoil and acceptable accuracy make it an excellent choice for deer hunting in specific scenarios.
At a price of $8.89 for a box of 5, the value proposition is reasonable, especially considering the trusted Federal quality and consistent performance. I would definitely recommend this ammunition to hunters seeking a milder-recoiling yet effective slug option for their 16-gauge shotguns. Give the Federal Premium Power Shok 16 Gauge 4/5oz Power Shok Rifled Slug Shotgun Ammunition F164 RS a shot, you might just find it’s the perfect load for your needs.